New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced nearly $3 million in state grants for breast cancer research initiatives September 12, allocating $2.5 million to the Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Scientific Research Projects and $513,000 to the Patricia S. Brown Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Education Research Projects.

The grants follow the governor’s “Get Screened, No Excuses" initiatives providing resources for breast cancer screening and treatment to all New York state residents, regardless of insurance status.

Initiatives also include legislation requiring hospitals and hospital extension clinics to offer extended hours for mammography screening; to prohibit insurers from requiring cost-sharing for screening mammograms and diagnostic testing; to expand paid leave to permit public employees to receive breast cancer screening during working hours and to pay for a public awareness campaign to encourage screening.